Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Falstaff beer.
What You May Have Missed:
Gold & Blue Now: Aug. 12 - WV MetroNews
head coach Dana Holgorsen meets with the media and discusses the current state of the football 12 days into preseason camp. Also, offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson mentions the evaluation period of the last few weeks of the offensive.
From the Bench: Luck Gives Grid 411 on Neutral, Non-Conference Games - Connect Bridgeport
It’s what’s taken place recently with non-conference games that really give WVU’s schedule strength.
Women's Soccer Travels to Rutgers for Scrimmage - WVU Athletics
The No. 12-ranked West Virginia University women’s soccer team travels to Rutgers for a scrimmage on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at noon, at Yurcak Field.
Buchanan Garners Preseason All-America Honors - WVU Athletics
Sophomore defender Kadeisha Buchanan of the West Virginia University women’s soccer team was named to the College Sports Madness 2014 Preseason All-America First Team.
FURFARI COLUMN: Was giving more power to five top conference designed to save NCAA? - Times West Virginian
There has been speculation for some time that the so-called five biggest quality and most powerful intercollegiate athletic conferences would put the NCAA out of business.
Nehlen lauds 1988 offensive line as his best ever at WVU - Register Herald
If you’re a longtime West Virginia University sports fan, you undoubtedly know all about that memorable, most-successful-ever 1988 football team.
News of Note:
Holgorsen Media Conference: Practice No. 11 - WVU Athletics
Dana Holgorsen media conference during day 11 of football camp.
Relaxed Trickett More Confident in '14 - WVU Athletics
QB eyeing a productive 2014 campaign
Crest, Henry are top candidates to play as true freshmen - Charleston Daily Mail
Casazza's print notebook
Holgorsen’s early projections for true freshmen: Only 2 will play in 2014 - WV MetroNews
With more depth than in recent seasons, West Virginia plans to give bulk of class developmental seasons.
Video blog: Day 12 - WVU Sports with Mike Casazza
Casazza's video notebook
West Virginia notebook: Nimble-looking Shell impresses Holgorsen - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
West Virginia has no shortage of running backs, but Hopewell High School graduate Rushel Shell is making a serious push for playing time this fall, his first season since transferring from Pitt.
Holgorsen's Take: 8/11 - WVSports.com
After eleven practices, West Virginia Head Coach Dana Holgorsen has a better understanding of his personnel moving into the final days of fall camp.
Holgorsen Talks Redshirts - EerSports
"Right now, my best guess would be not redshirting Dravon Henry and William Crest. The rest of them, right now, would be pretty good redshirt candidates."
Practice report: Smith’s turn to step up after Shell shows his stuff - WV MetroNews
See Allan Taylor's recap of Monday afternoon's practice at Milan Puskar Stadium
Red zone, 1-on-1 drills highlight practice - BGN
On a day in which Dana Holgorsen thought his team would get to practice in the rain, creating an environment of what it could be like on game day at some point during the season, the grey skies held off for the 30 minutes the media was allowed to attend as the Mountaineers continued their preparations for the 2014 season.
Transfer DE Riddick provides speed on pass rush - Charleston Gazette
It’s one thing to be sack-happy against Charleston Southern or Warner. It’s another to be able to do so against Texas and Oklahoma.
Mitch Vingle: WVU camp news and an air of confidence - Charleston Gazette
Now, though, the question in the Mountain State is how much does this WVU team remind Holgorsen of last year’s 4-8 team?
Anger management: Motivated Shell impressive in camp - Exponent Telegram
It was obvious this transfer from Pitt, this one-time top line national recruit, was going to be a runner with an edge, a kid with something to prove and willing to do what it took to prove it.
Football: Could Elijah Wellman be the next Owen Schmitt for WVU? - WVUPros
During his news conference Monday, West Virginia's Dana Holgorsen praised one of his players for having a similar skill set to that of Mountaineer legend Owen Schmitt.
FB Wellman could have expanded role for WVU - Register Herald
West Virginia football fans know all about quarterback Clint Trickett. Most expect big things out of tailback Dreamius Smith and wide receiver Mario Alford. But a big, physical fullback isn’t exactly something that comes to mind when thinking about a high-tempo, pass-happy Holgorsen offense.
WVU’s Wellman draws comparisons to Schmitt - Exponent Telegram
Wellman is a redshirt freshman fullback/tight end type from Spring Valley High School who has won over coach Dana Holgorsen with his tough play.
Holgorsen: 'I like where we're at' - Parkersburg News and Sentinel
As West Virginia University's Aug. 30 opener against Alabama rapidly approaches, coach Dana Holgorsen and his staff are stepping up their talent evaluations in order to put the best lineup on the field in the Chik-fil-A Classic at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.
WVU lineman Spain hopes less weight means better play - Pittsburgh Tribune Review
There is less of West Virginia guard Quinton Spain, but he still is hard to miss.
Which 2014 games will determine the College Football Playoff race? - College Football - SI.com
Several WVU games are mentioned, although more so in a spoiler-type capacity
Big 12 Power Rankings: Preseason - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
8
Mastering The Basics - BGN
Developing a mastery of the basic skills in football is invaluable. The WVU coaching staff is making sure that their players have the capability to perform those skills at the highest level.
More Camp Scenes - BGN
West Virginia reached the halfway point of fall football camp over the weekend. Here's a look at more recent on-field action.
WVU Fall Camp Photo Gallery #6 - EerSports
EerSports photographer Craig Gunter shares some shots from West Virginia's practice on Monday afternoon.
Recruiting:
Big 12 recruiting scorecard - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
You aren't the only one interested in the start of preseason camp at various Big 12 schools. Several recruits have taken the opportunity to visit during preseason preparations to get a better feel for what to expect at each program as recruiting heats up.
Pro News:
CFL Week 7 Recap: White Helps Edmonton Rebound From First Loss of The Season; Sanders Productive Against Ottawa - WVUPros
Three Mountaineer alumni were in action this week for their respective CFL clubs.
Mountaineer Diamond Review: Billy Fleming, Bobby Boyd stay hot over past week - WVUPros
In this week’s Mountaineer Diamond Review on WVUPros.com, Billy Fleming continues his strong start to his career with the New York Yankees’ Gulf Coast League affiliate, while Bobby Boyd gets promoted to the Class A Quad City River Bandits.
Mountaineers In The Pros: August 11 - WVU Athletics
The latest on WVU's professional baseball players.
Around the League (and Beyond):
Baylor Football 2014 Position Previews: Offensive Line and Tight Ends - Our Daily Bears
Camp Unit Preview: Linebackers - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Smooth operators: Jayhawks open fall camp expecting efficiency - Lawrence Journal World
Kansas State has monumental task ahead when Bill Snyder retires - Kansas City Star
Top Oklahoma LB Frank Shannon suspended after assault investigation - SBNation.com
Oklahoma State Cowboys season preview - Big 12 Blog - ESPN
Texas QB Miles Onyegbule tears knee ligaments, out for season - Burnt Orange Nation
TCU Football 2014: Linebackers Preview - Frogs O' War
Skywriters Tour: Texas Tech Showing Substance - Big 12 Conference
What's On Tap:
Oklahoma Tickets on Sale Monday - WVU Athletics
Tickets for West Virginia’s Sept. 20 matchup with the Oklahoma Sooners will go on sale to the public through the Mountaineer Ticket Office on Monday, Aug. 11, at 9 a.m.
Single game tickets for the 2014 WVU football season are on sale now! Go to WVUGAME.COM or call 1-800-WVU GAME
Football Game Promotions Announced - WVU Athletics
Stripe the Stadium, Gold Rush and Family Day Promotions
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game Tickets on Sale - WVU Athletics
Tickets for West Virginia’s appearance in the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game are now on sale through the Mountaineer Ticket Office
BT Entertainment Presents WVU ATLANTA KICKOFF
WVU’s Countdown to Kickoff: Day 18 Jay Kearney - WVUPros
Continuing on with our 100 day countdown to WVU’s season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide, we have reached day 18 the number once worn by WVU wide receiver, Jay Kearney.
Video of Interest:
Video of (Dis)Interest:
Earth just became a bit sadder and heaven just got a whole lot funnier. God Speed, Mork!
Miss Throwdown:
Today's Miss Throwdown is a hot mix of Colombian, Italian and Puerto Rican heritage. CLICK HERE for today's gallery of Valeria Orsini.